Movement-informed Breathwork (MiB): Integrating Muscular Contractions with Slow Conscious Connected Breathing for Therapeutic Application
Edward Caddye, Yuliia Lukianstseva, Richard Aceves, Guy W. Fincham
OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine January 22, 2026 DOI: 10.21926/obm.icm.2601006 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Movement-informed Breathwork |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Key points | Proposes that Movement-informed Breathwork, integrating breathwork with neuromuscular contraction and relaxation cycles, offers a scalable, contraindication-free framework for enhancing autonomic regulation, interoceptive awareness, and somatic-emotional integration across diverse populations. |
Abstract
This paper introduces Movement-informed Breathwork (MiB), a personalised breath-body approach with biofeedback that integrates a form of conscious connected breathwork (breathing without pauses) with targeted neuromuscular contraction and relaxation cycles. Drawing from neuromuscular torque chain dynamics, fascial research and sensorimotor trauma therapy principles, MiB aims to enhance autonomic regulation, interoceptive awareness and somatic-emotional integration by bridging traditional breathwork (deep, slow-paced), movement therapy and clinical practice across diverse populations and therapeutic settings. MiB demonstrates immediate feedback mechanisms for both participants and practitioners, enabling real-time assessment of neuromuscular patterns whilst promoting nervous system regulation. The approach is scalable from brief 5-10-minute sessions for awareness and downregulation to extended 90-minute sessions for deeper somatic exploration and trauma integration, with the aim of offering a contraindication-free, accessible framework for addressing autonomic dysregulation, emotional trauma and chronic pain through targeted neuromuscular retraining. The integration of contemporary neuroscience with traditional breathwork provides a scientifically informed approach that may enhance precision and effectiveness of movement-based therapeutic interventions. We believe it presents a significant advancement in integrative health practice that addresses both psychological and physical aspects of healing through the interconnection between breathing, movement and wellbeing.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathwork as a Therapeutic Modality: An Overview for Counselors | 2010 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Breathwork in body psychotherapy: Clinical applications | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Enhancement of inter-hemispheric brain waves synchronisation after Pranayama practice | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Relationship and Mechanism Underlying the Effect of Conscious Breathing on the Autonomic Nervous System and Brain Waves | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Holotropic Breathwork, Second Edition | 2023 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 6
- Psychedelic Psychiatry's Brave New World. Cell April 1, 2020
- High ventilation breathwork practices: An overview of their effects, mechanisms, and considerations for clinical applications. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews December 1, 2023
- Decreased CO2 saturation during circular breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness. Communications Psychology April 13, 2025
- Effects of brief remote high ventilation breathwork with retention on mental health and wellbeing: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Scientific Reports July 23, 2024
- Effect of coherent breathing on mental health and wellbeing: a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Scientific Reports December 13, 2023
and 1 more in the library